Has anyone out there ever experienced "old hag symdrome"?

Answer 1

You refer, of course, to waking dreams aka hypnagogic hallucinations, a common enough occurrence that happens to most people at least once or more times in a lifetime. Many people have numerous episodes of waking dreams, and some people suffer what is called "sleep paralysis" --- a state in which the mind is conscious but the body is still immobilized, during which time they may experience extreme panic.

The Old Hag comes from Norse folktales, and is like the more familiar succubus and incubus lores. In waking dreams, this is also sometimes called "the stranger."

In all cases, one senses they are awake and there is a presence in the room, either by their bed or even touching or upon them. A sense of pressure on the chest, a feeling of panic, a terrifying image of a figure, and suddenly, you awake completely and the figure is gone, and your heart is racing and you'd swear you just saw a ghost, a spirit, the Old Hag or whatever.

You just had a waking dream. Your mind was between REM sleep and conciousness, your body had not completely come out of normal sleep paralysis and your mind mixed reality with hallucination.

Hypnagogic hallucinations can range from subtle audio to intense imagery, and can involve any or all of your five senses. Common ones involve "hearing" cries for help, and of course, seeing the "stranger."

In the past, people thought there were demons called a succubus or an incubus which sat on a sleeper's chest and even had sex with the sleeper. The painting "The Nightmare" (by Fuseli) is one of the best known paintings which depicts a succubus atop a sleeper. In the 20th century, most people substituted aliens for the succubus and incubus. And, of course, in old Norse folk tales, it was the "Old Hag."

I've had 'em. First one was the freakiest, because at the time I'd never heard of a hypnagogic hallucination. I did think I'd seen a ghost!!

They aren't indicative of anything, and may occur at different points in people's lives. They may be a matter for concern if they are persistent or particulary stressing, and may be a sign of a sleep disorder such as any of many kinds of narcolepsy, or in the less common true sleep paralysis cases which can be terrifying to the sufferer.

There's lots of info out there on the phenomena of waking dreams. Just do a search on "waking dreams" or "hypnagogic hallucinations."

Answer 2

If you are referring to the experience of being awake, but not able to move or speak, yes I have. My family has this and it is one of the scariest things i have dealt with. Often I feel like something is actually touching me and i can feel a presence in the room. I try to scream and in my mind I am screaming, but there is no sound emanating from my mouth. I start to pray and this works for me. I notice I seem to get these when I lay on my stomach and when I am excessively tired. I never get them when I lay on my side, and it has been a year or so since I've experienced one. Wow I haven't heard many people talk about this.

Answer 3

Old Hags syndrome is sleep paralysis

Answer 4

What is "old hag syndrome"? I know this women named Janet who I think is a real hag. She's got teeth missing, terrible skin and farts all the time.

Answer 5

Yes, in fact I'm experiencing it this very moment. And probably will wake up with the same syndrome in the morning!

Answer 6

The moment I turned 40.

Answer 7

Well....not really, but I had my first "old" moment a few years ago. I was listening to the radio in the car one day, and they had a "retro" lunch hour....all the music they played was like, "my music". You know, the stuff I listened to when I was younger.....it kind of hit me at that moment that I was getting older.....it makes me laugh, though!!! : )

Answer 8

Is this referring to looking in the mirror and being forced to realize you're not 25 anymore? Then, YES!!!! If not -- I don't know.

Answer 9

Sleep paralysis? Yes I have

Answer 10

What is it maybe i am experinceing it now